Southern Funeral Chapel

04/14/2026

Billy Higginbotham
West Point-Billy Ray Higginbotham, 85, passed away on Saturday, April 11. 2026 at Baptist Golden Triangle Hospital in Columbus. He was born in Chickasaw County on November 7, 1940 to Bill Higginbotham and Birl Nichols Higginbotham. He attended Calvary Baptist Church in West Point.
Southern Funeral Home in Houston is honored to serve the Higginbotham family.
A funeral service celebrating his life will be held on Thursday, April 16 at 4:00 at Southern Funeral Home with Bro. Johnny Cherry officiating. He will be laid to rest in Ellzey Cemetery in Vardaman. Visitation will be on Thursday, April 16 from 3:00 until service time at 4:00 at the funeral home.
Serving as pallbearers will be Chad Higginbotham, DeWayne Higginbotham, Greg Colbert, Chris Laster, Taylor Terry and C**t Moore.
Billy really enjoyed his job as a truck driver and worked for several different companies during his career. In February of 1999 he married the love of his life, Linda McAdams and they had 27 wonderful years together. Linda rode with him on many trips in his 18 wheeler and they always had a great time seeing the countryside together. In his free time, he enjoyed watching National Geographic and westerns, especially John Wayne movies. Billy was a simple, hardworking man that loved his family. He lived a full life and will be greatly missed.
He leaves behind his wife, Linda Higginbotham of West Point, his son, DeWayne Higginbotham of Houston; his daughter, Michelle Moore (Larry) of Calhoun City; his brother, Kenneth Higginbotham (Lois) of West Point; his sister, Ruth Ann Reedy (Don) of Vardaman; his stepdaughters, Linda Holmes of Bridge City, TX and Cindy Mitchell of Mauriceville, TX; his stepson, Terry McAdams of Oklahoma; his grandchildren, Teletha Rowzee (Tony), Jessica Laster (Chris), C**t Moore (Candace), Magnolia Higginbotham, Deidre McAdams, Kelly Young, Sky Mitchell, and Paige Holmes, thirty-six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Birl Higginbotham; his son, Michael Ray Higginbotham; his brother, James Edward Higginbotham, and his grandson, Jacob Kade Holmes.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ellzey Cemetery Fund, c/o Jackie Suggs, 242 County Rd 451, Houston, MS 38851.

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left at www.southernfuneralchapel.com

04/13/2026

Billy Ray Higginbotham, 85, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Baptist Golden Triangle Hospital in Columbus.
A funeral service will be held at 4:00pm on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Southern Funeral Home in Houston with Bro. Johnny Cherry officiating. He will be laid to rest in Ellzey Cemetery in Vardaman. A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 16 beginning at 3:00 until service time at 4:00.
Please remember his wife, Linda and all the Higginbotham family in your prayers during this difficult time.

A complete obituary will be posted as soon as available.

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left at

Southern Funeral Home, Inc. Welcomes You. Since 1987, Southern Funeral Home, Inc. has provided dedicated and compassionate care to families of Houston, Mississippi and surrounding communities. Our funeral home offers a range of personalized services for families to honor their loved ones and remembe

03/20/2026

Alvin Taylor
Houlka-Alvin Wayne Taylor, 71, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026 at North MS Medical Center in Tupelo. He was born in Pontotoc on July 11, 1954 to Alvis Dewayne Taylor and Jewel Criddle Taylor.
Alvin was laid to rest in a private ceremony in Rosehill Cemetery in Houlka on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
He is survived by his wife, Janie Dye Taylor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvis and Jewel Taylor, and his brother, Jerry Lynn Taylor.
Southern Funeral Home in Houston was in charge of arraignments.

online condolences may be left at

Southern Funeral Home, Inc. Welcomes You. Since 1987, Southern Funeral Home, Inc. has provided dedicated and compassionate care to families of Houston, Mississippi and surrounding communities. Our funeral home offers a range of personalized services for families to honor their loved ones and remembe

03/16/2026

Jeff Martin
Thorn-Jeffrey Lane “Bodine” Martin, 53, passed away with family at his side on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at North MS Medical Center in Tupelo. He entered this life on August 26, 1972 in Amory to Larry Wayne Martin and Reva Walls Martin. He was a member of Pearson Chapel Church of the Nazarene.
Southern Funeral Home of Houston is honored to serve the Martin family.
Funeral services celebrating his life will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 3:00 at Pearson Chapel Church. Bro. Cody Childress will be officiating. He will be laid to rest in Ellzey cemetery in Vardaman. There will be no graveside service. Visitation will begin at 2:00 until service time at 3:00 at the church.
Serving as pallbearers will be Toby Johnson, Marcus Fisackerly, Eddie Bailey, Brucey Pettit, Chris Long, and Josh Henley. Honorary pallbearers are Justin Wilkerson, Dillon Wilkerson, Darrin Vance, and Garrett Vance.
Jeff was a hard worker and he started at a young age working at Martin & Jones Furniture. He grew up around the furniture business but later developed a love for farming and driving tractors. He had been working for Vance Farms the last 20+ years. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting. His favorite pastime was hunting rabbits and running dogs. Jeff was also a family man than loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and family.
He leaves behind his special love and partner, Jannette Wilkerson; his daughters, Lana Danielle Criddle (Josh) and April Jade Wilkerson, both of Houston; his son, Chance Tucker (Alexia) of Tupelo; his brother, Wayne Martin of Houston; his step-children, Justin Wilkerson of Houston, Dillon Wilkerson (Faith) of Algoma, and Haley Wilkerson (Hayden) of Algoma; eleven grandchildren; his nephews, Brandon Martin, Matthew “Hoopie” Martin, and Tim Martin; and a host aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Reva Martin; his son; and his step-son.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.southernfuneralchapel.com

03/15/2026

Jeff Martin
Thorn-Jeffrey Lane "Jeff" Martin, 53, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at North MS Medical Center in Tupelo.

Southern Funeral Home of Houston is honored to serve the Martin family.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 3:00 at Pearson Chapel Church of the Nazarene in Houston. Visitation will begin at 2:00 until service time at 3:00 at the church.

Please remember Jeff's family in your prayers during this difficult
time.

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left at

Southern Funeral Home, Inc. Welcomes You. Since 1987, Southern Funeral Home, Inc. has provided dedicated and compassionate care to families of Houston, Mississippi and surrounding communities. Our funeral home offers a range of personalized services for families to honor their loved ones and remembe

03/12/2026

Sandra Pennington
Houston-Sandra Gayle Dodson Pennington, 62, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Trend Health & Rehab in Houston. She was born on December 20, 1963, in Houston to James Dodson and Ophelia McAnally Dodson. She attended Macedonia Methodist Church in Houston.
Southern Funeral Home of Houston is honored to serve Sandra's family during this time of loss.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 2:00 at Southern Funeral Home with Bro. Steve Lampkin officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday, March 15 from 1:00 until service time at 2:00 at the funeral home. There will be no graveside service. She will be laid to rest in Macedonia Church Cemetery.
Sandra attended school in Houston and worked various jobs during her career. She worked as a cashier and factory worker, but the job she enjoyed the most was her time with H & R Block as a tax preparer. Her most important job to her was being a homemaker and mother. She was very involved in her children's activities, from teaching Bible classes to coaching soccer. She enjoyed cooking and was known for her outstanding cornbread. Her grandchildren, who called her "MaMaw", were her pride and joy. She was devoted to them and loved playing outside with them, taking them to the park often. She will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother and leaves behind many memories to be cherished by her family.
She is survived by her daughters, Amy Nichols and Tiffany Nichols, both of Houston and Jessica Pennington of Batesville; her brothers, Jamie Dodson (Tina) and Stevie Dodson, both of Houston, her grandchildren, Ansley Coleman, Kason Coleman, Jossilyn Coleman, Micah Coleman, Jacob Renfro, and Courtney Bumpous; and her niece, Kayla Fisher.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James Dodson and Ophelia Dodson; her husband, Steven Nichols; and her brother, Danny Dodson.

Online condolences may be left at www.southernfuneralchapel.com

03/12/2026

Sandra Pennington
Houston-Sandra Dodson Pennington, 62, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Trend Health & Rehab in Houston.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 2:00 at Southern Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 1:00 until service time at 2:00 at the funeral home.

Please remember Sandra's family during this difficult time.

A complete obituary will be posted as soon as available.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for family at

Southern Funeral Home, Inc. Welcomes You. Since 1987, Southern Funeral Home, Inc. has provided dedicated and compassionate care to families of Houston, Mississippi and surrounding communities. Our funeral home offers a range of personalized services for families to honor their loved ones and remembe

03/06/2026

Posting for family:

Nancy Ware
A memorial service for Nancy Marlene Ware will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 2:00 at the home of Donnie & Janie McGee, 197 County Rd 189, Houston, MS 38851
All family and friends are invited

03/05/2026

Lillie Knox
Lillie Emma Long Knox was born Nov 14,1943, on a family farm in Calhoun County near Bruce MS. She graduated from Bruce High School and attended Itawamba Junior College. After a short illness, Lillie passed away on March 4, 2026, at the age of 82.

Lillie was a homemaker, and a business owner alongside her husband George; first with Knox’s Dairy and later with Knox’s Grocery in the Una community. She worked full-time in the store, serving customers with dedication and kindness, helping build not just a business but a trusted cornerstone of the community.

Lillie was a faithful member of Pleasant Grove Church in the Una Community and later at Faith Bible Church in Houston, MS. The phrases ‘a rock’ and ‘a cornerstone of our church’ were often used by those who came to count on her quiet, unassuming witness. The only thing more important to her than her family was her love for Jesus Christ.

Lillie was the keystone of the Knox family - a steady, faithful presence whose love and strength shaped the lives of generations. As the heart of her home, she created a place of warmth, where family gathered and everyone knew they belonged; a true reflection of her generous spirit. She was a true “Proverbs 31” woman.

Southern Funeral Home of Houston is honored to serve the Knox family during this difficult time.

Visitation will be at Faith Bible Church, Houston MS, Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 10:00am to service time at 11:00am. Officiating will be Bro. Johnny Terry and Bro. Brian Poteete. Burial will be at Pleasant Grove Church cemetery in the Una Community. There will not be a graveside service.
Serving as pallbearers will be David Cameron, Barry Smitherman, Dennis Moon, Brian Poteete, Jimmy Knox and Korban Ellzey.

Lillie is remembered, loved and cherished by her husband of 64 years George Knox; her 3 sons Paul (Kim) Knox of Amory, MS, Larry (Veronica) Knox of Amory, MS, and Scott (Hayley) Knox of Garland, TX; 6 grandchildren: Kala Knox, Kylie Evans, Karli McDonald, Sarah Ellzey, Mattie Knox and Brett Knox; and 6 great-grandchildren: Bella Ellzey, Evie Ellzey, Korban Ellzey, AnnaLee Evans, Annie Evans and Monroe McDonald.

She is reunited in heaven with her parents Jess and Annie Long; her siblings Bobbie Jean Logan, Carolyn Ann Greene, Rodney Burt Long Sr. and James Huey Long; and her grandsons Daniel Larry Knox and George Wayne Knox.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you make a donation to one of the following:
● St Judes https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html
● Faith Bible Church. 110 Malcomb St, Houston MS 38851 662.456.4577
● The Gideons, PO Box 365, Houston, MS 38851.

Online condolences may be left at www.southernfuneralchapel.com

03/05/2026

Nancy Ware
Houston-Nancy Marlene McGee Ware, 82, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at North MS Medical Center in Tupelo. She was born in Houston on April 9, 1943 to Chester W. McGee and Ethel Mae Clemmons McGee. She attended Pleasant Grove Church in Una.
Southern Funeral Home of Houston is honored to serve the Ware family.
The family will hold a memorial service on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 2:00 at the home of Donnie & Janie McGee, 197 County Rd 189, Houston, MS 38851
Nancy retired from the U.S. Postal service after more than 20 years of service as a mail clerk in Anchorage, Alaska. She spent most of her adult life in Alaska and after some moving around, she returned to her roots in Mississippi. Nancy was very self-sufficient and prided herself on being independent. She lived life to the fullest and enjoyed many different activities. She loved being "Tootsie Marlene" as some nicknamed her. She liked playing bingo and was in a bowling league. She took pleasure in playing video games, especially Mario Bros and Tetris. She also enjoyed going fishing often and visiting local restaurants. But her favorite thing to do was travel. She traveled all over the United States and in Europe. The most important thing in her life was her family. She loved spending time with them and cooking for them. She leaves behind many fond memories and will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her daughters Nancy Marie Ware Moore of Houston, MS, Deanna Joy Miller (Gerald) of Soldotna, Alaska and Kathy Sue Ware (Lisa Parker) of Littleton, CO; her sister, Patsy Moore of Houston, MS; her grandchildren, Spencer Miller, Tiffany Dushkin, Timothy Dushkin, and Dustin Dushkin; and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Ethel Mae McGee; her husband, Jerry Dean Ware Sr.; her son Jerry Dean "Bo" Ware, Jr.; her sisters, Gracie Lemmons, Faye Jackson, Catherine Nelms, and Sue Parsons; her brother, Dot Wayne McGee; and her great-grandson, Owen Abrams.

Online condolences may be left at www.southernfuneralchapel.com

03/05/2026

Houston-Lillie Emma Long Knox, 82, left this life on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at North MS Medical Center Hospice in Tupelo.
Funeral services celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11:00 am at Faith Bible Church in Houston. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until service time at 11:00 am.
Southern Funeral Home of Houston is honored to serve the Knox family. Please remember her family in your prayers during this difficult time.
A complete obituary will be posted as soon as available.

03/05/2026

Lillie Knox
Houston-Lillie Emma Long Knox, 82, left this life on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at North MS Medical Center Hospice in Tupelo.

Funeral services celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11:00 am at Faith Bible Church in Houston. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until service time at 11:00 am.

Southern Funeral Home of Houston is honored to serve the Knox family. Please remember her family in your prayers during this difficult time.

A complete obituary will be posted as soon as available.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at

Southern Funeral Home, Inc. Welcomes You. Since 1987, Southern Funeral Home, Inc. has provided dedicated and compassionate care to families of Houston, Mississippi and surrounding communities. Our funeral home offers a range of personalized services for families to honor their loved ones and remembe